Attempted drone attack on Mecca : Saudi Arabia's security systems intercepted and destroyed a drone before it could enter Mecca's airspace on Tuesday evening. Mecca is the holiest city of Islam and the main center of faith for followers of this religion. Iran-backed Houthi rebels have been blamed for this failed attack attempt. But he has denied allegations of targeting Mecca. Meanwhile, Pakistan and 57 Islamic countries have strongly condemned it.
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Actually, Mecca is the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad and Kaaba is located here. It is a black cube-shaped structure towards which Muslims around the world turn while praying five times a day. Muslims believe that the Prophet Muhammad first received God's message (ibid) in the form of Islam's holy book, the Quran, in Mecca. Regarding the attempted drone attack on Tuesday, Saudi army spokesman Major General Turki al-Malki said that Saudi Arabia's security systems intercepted and destroyed a drone before it could enter Mecca's airspace.
Al-Malki said the security of the holy city is a “red line” (highly-sensitive issue) and the Saudi military will not hesitate to take action against “hostile and terrorist activities.” Iran-backed Houthi rebels in neighboring Yemen denied allegations of targeting Mecca. But this allegation was condemned throughout the Islamic world, including Pakistan and the 57-nation Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif wrote in X Post, 'I strongly condemn the cowardly and despicable drone attack attempt on the holy site of Mecca Al-Mukarrama. The people of Pakistan are sad and upset by this shameful act. Words fall short to express the deep sorrow and pain that this condemnable and unforgivable act has caused us. We salute the extraordinary alertness, courage and professionalism of the Royal Saudi Armed Forces, who responded promptly and bravely.'
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Sharif further wrote, 'I once again appeal to all parties to exercise maximum restraint and prevent tension from escalating further. Our region has already suffered a lot from conflicts. Dialogue and diplomacy are the only sustainable path to peace. “Pakistan stands with full strength and solidarity with the friendly country of Saudi Arabia in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as the safety and sanctity of Harman Sharifan – a duty that every Pakistani holds close to his heart.”